Epimedium flavum - Barrenwort

Small evergreen undershrubs or deciduous perennials, with delicate flowers. These beautiful shade plants will grow in borders or in a large shaded rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their beauty. They can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C (10.4°F), -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. Western species are very cold-resistant and can tolerate difficult conditions, such as the dense shade under trees, in very dry soil or in moist clay soil. Asian species prefer a soil that remains cool and moist in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and can also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly but can live for many years without any special care.

Creeping crown forming a dense clump of persistent heart-shaped, 6cm (2in) long and 4.5cm (2in) wide, finely toothed leaves with spiny edges, initially light green and then glossy dark green. The slender stems bear 3cm (1in) wide flowers with slender curved spurs, entirely pale yellow, usually in September.